An excellent save denied Barkhuizen’s volley and then Huntington’s header in the build-up to an opener he could do little about. Another outstanding save for his collection came when keeping out Huntington again. 8

Fikayo Tomori

The fall guy for City’s first-half failings, making way for Grosicki at the break as a three-man defence was abandoned. Not up to his previous high standards in an edgy performance but not to blame for the half-time deficit. 6

Michael Dawson

Great awareness denied Preston a goal when he covered to keep out Browne’s goalbound effort and held together a defence that creaked on more than one occasion. Could not stop the cross that brought the winner. 6

AERIAL CHALLENGE: Hull City's Michael Dawson. (Image: Focus Images)

Michael Hector

Hugill gave City’s central defenders a physical contest throughout and Hector is still searching for that imposing form of last month. Useful in possession but missed a gilt-edged late chance when heading over. 5

Ola Aina

Beaten far too easily in the build-up to Preston’s opener and then switched off for the loose ball. Question marks over his defending but had earlier come close to an opener with a long-range effort narrowly over. 5

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Not a first-half he will cherish as Preston played the game on their terms but he was instrumental in giving City more bite after the interval. Came close to scoring when his shot was blocked before Grosicki struck the bar. 6

Jackson Irvine

A home debut for the Australian but Slutsky was unable to solve the riddle of where to play his £2m signing. Sloppy passing too often undermined the flashes of promise he showed. City not seeing the best of him. 5

Stephen Kingsley

Not the evening he would wished for after injury forced his withdrawal after just 25 minutes. The Scot had started brightly with his forward advances but he must now be a doubt to face Birmingham on Saturday. 6

In a season of adversity, the rookie continues to be the big plus. Netted his sixth goal of the season to draw City level from close-range and caused Preston problems. Neat link-up play helped his side onto the front foot. 7

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Very uncomfortable with his first-half role and let his frustrations be known. Improved along with his team-mates in the second period, looking far more at ease in an orthodox midfield role. An experienced head. 6

Fraizer Campbell

Retained after his goalscoring exploits at the weekend and again left his mark. An intelligent header from Grosicki’s free-kick set up Bowen’s equaliser and he showed his value to his team with a hungry effort. 7

Subs

Max Clark (for Kingsley 25) Given an unexpected chance when replacing but didn’t find it easy against Preston’s width. 6

Kamil Grosicki (for Tomori 46) Made the difference as a half-time sub, giving City pace and balance when they needed it most. 7

Nouha Dicko (for Campbell 85) A late cameo but it was Preston who went on to snatch a winner. 6